Estrada allows private group to keep running Manila park

A man takes refuge under the tree canopy of Arroceros Park amid the searing heat in Manila. The 2.2-hectare park on the bank of the Pasig River is considered the city’s “last lung” as it helps to counter the effects of congestion and pollution in the capital city. The forest is home to 61 tree varieties and 10 bird species. —Inquirer file

Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada has deferred his decision to repossess Arroceros Forest Park by taking it from its current caretaker, Winner Foundation, although he stressed that he would not abandon his plans to build a gymnasium in the area.

According to Estrada, the city government has given in to the appeal of Winner chair Regina Roces-Paterno to allow the private environmental group to keep on operating the park dubbed “Manila’s last lung.”

“We’re here to implement the law, not to break the law,” the mayor told Winner officials during a recent meeting at city hall. “You can stay for the time being while we study how best to use that property,” he added.

In a letter dated July 7, Estrada ordered Winner to vacate the park within 30 days “otherwise, the city will be constrained to avail of the appropriate legal remedies to protect its ownership of the property.” The deadline expired on Aug. 7.

The Office of the City Legal Office said the city government was the legal owner of the park as proven by Transfer Certificate of Title No. 214097.

It showed that the City School Board of Manila, through the city’s special education fund, brought the property for P65 million from the Land Bank of the Philippines on December 23, 1993.

According to the deed of sale executed by then Mayor Alfredo Lim and Landbank president Jesi Lapus, the 2.2-hectare property will be used “solely for educational, sports and recreational and/or public service-oriented projects.”

But in November 1993, Lim and Winner signed a memorandum of agreement that authorized the foundation to create and develop a forest park in the property.

The 15-year-development plan of Winner lapsed in 2008 but was extended until 2013. Winner has two options after the contract expired: turn over the park to Manila or renegotiate a new MOA to keep on managing the park.

In a statement, city legal officer Edward Serapio said the MOA signed by Lim and Winner was void because Lim had not been authorized by the city council to enter into such deal and the MOA was not ratified by the city council.